*Ethiopia, Government
Head of Government:Prime Minister TAMIRAT Layne (since 6 June 1991)Member of:ACP, AfDB, CCC, ECA, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC,IGADD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ISO, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU,UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO, WTODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador BERHANE Gebre-Christoschancery:2134 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20008telephone:(202) 234-2281 or 2282US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Marc A. BAASembassy:Entoto Street, Addis Ababamailing address:P. O. Box 1014, Addis Ababatelephone:[251] (1) 550-666FAX:[251] (1) 551-166Flag:three equal horizontal bands of green (top), yellow, and red; Ethiopia isthe oldest independent country in Africa, and the colors of her flag were sooften adopted by other African countries upon independence that they becameknown as the pan-African colors
*Ethiopia, Economy
Overview:With the independence of Eritrea on 27 April 1993, Ethiopia continues toface difficult economic problems as one of the poorest and least developedcountries in Africa. (The accompanying analysis and figures predate theindependence of Eritrea.) Its economy is based on subsistence agriculture,which accounts for about 45% of GDP, 90% of exports, and 80% of totalemployment; coffee generates 60% of export earnings. The manufacturingsector is heavily dependent on inputs from the agricultural sector. Over 90%of large-scale industry, but less than 10% of agriculture, is state run; thegovernment is considering selling off a portion of state-owned plants.Favorable agricultural weather largely explains the 4.5% growth in output inFY89, whereas drought and deteriorating internal security conditionsprevented growth in FY90. In 1991 the lack of law and order, particularly inthe south, interfered with economic development and growth. In 1992, becauseof some easing of civil strife and aid from the outside world, the economysubstantially improved.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $6.6 billion (FY92 est.)National product real growth rate:6% (FY92 est.)National product per capita:$130 (FY92 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):7.8% (1989)Unemployment rate:NA%Budget:revenues $1.4 billion; expenditures $2.3 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $565 million (FY91)Exports:$276 million (f.o.b., FY90)commodities:coffee, leather products, gold, petroleum productspartners:EC, Djibouti, Japan, Saudi Arabia, USImports:$1.0 billion (c.i.f., FY90)commodities:capital goods, consumer goods, fuelpartners:EC, Eastern Europe, Japan, USExternal debt:$3.48 billion (1991)Industrial production:growth rate 2.3% (FY89 est.); accounts for 12% of GDPElectricity:330,000 kW capacity; 650 million kWh produced, 10 kWh per capita (1991)Industries:food processing, beverages, textiles, chemicals, metals processing, cementAgriculture:accounts for 47% of GDP and is the most important sector of the economy eventhough frequent droughts and poor cultivation practices keep farm outputlow; famines not uncommon; export crops of coffee and oilseeds grown partlyon state farms; estimated 50% of agricultural production at subsistencelevel; principal crops and livestock - cereals, pulses, coffee, oilseeds,sugarcane, potatoes and other vegetables, hides and skins, cattle, sheep,goats
*Ethiopia, Economy
Illicit drugs:transit hub for heroin originating in Southwest and Southeast Asia anddestined for Europe and North America; cultivates qat (chat) for local useand regional exportEconomic aid:US commitments, including Ex-Im (FY70-89), $504 million; Western (non-US)countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89), $3.4 billion; OPECbilateral aid (1979-89), $8 million; Communist countries (1970-89), $2.0billionCurrency:1 birr (Br) = 100 centsExchange rates:birr (Br) per US$1 - 5.0000 (fixed rate)Fiscal year:8 July - 7 July
*Ethiopia, Communications
Railroads:781 km total; 781 km 1.000-meter gauge; 307 km 0.950-meter gauge linkingAddis Ababa (Ethiopia) to Djibouti; control of railroad is shared betweenDjibouti and EthiopiaHighways:39,150 km total; 2,776 km paved, 7,504 km gravel, 2,054 km improved earth,26,816 km unimproved earth (1993 est.)Ports:none; landlockedMerchant marine:none; landlockedAirports:total:121usable:82with permanent-surface runways:9with runways over 3,659 m:1with runways 2,440-3,659 m:13with runways 1,220-2,439 m:83 (1993 est.)Telecommunications:open-wire and radio relay system adequate for government use; open-wire toSudan and Djibouti; microwave radio relay to Kenya and Djibouti; broadcaststations - 4 AM, no FM, 1 TV; 100,000 TV sets; 9,000,000 radios; satelliteearth stations - 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT and 2 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT
*Ethiopia, Defense Forces
Branches:Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 12,793,340; fit for military service 6,640,616; reachmilitary age (18) annually 576,329 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $NA, NA% of GDP
*Europa Island, Header
Affiliation: (possession of France)
*Europa Island, Geography
Location:Southern Africa, in the southern Mozambique Channel about halfway betweenMadagascar and MozambiqueMap references:AfricaArea:total area:28 km2land area:28 km2comparative area:about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:22.2 kmMaritime claims:exclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:claimed by MadagascarClimate:tropicalTerrain:NANatural resources:negligibleLand use:arable land:NA%permanent crops:NA%meadows and pastures:NA%forest and woodland:NA%other:NA% (heavily wooded)Irrigated land:0 km2Environment:wildlife sanctuary
*Europa Island, People
Population: uninhabited
*Europa Island, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:Europa Islandlocal long form:nonelocal short form:Ile EuropaDigraph:EUType:French possession administered by Commissioner of the Republic; resident inReunionCapital:none; administered by France from ReunionIndependence:none (possession of France)
*Europa Island, Economy
Overview: no economic activity
*Europa Island, Communications
Ports:none; offshore anchorage onlyAirports:total:1usable:1with permanent-surface runways:0with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,439-3,659 m:0with runways 1,220-2,439 m:1Telecommunications:1 meteorological station
*Europa Island, Defense Forces
Note: defense is the responsibility of France
*Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Header
Affiliation: (dependent territory of the UK)
*Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Geography
Location:in the South Atlantic Ocean, off the southern coast of ArgentinaMap references:Antarctic Region, South AmericaArea:total area:12,170 km2land area:12,170 km2comparative area:slightly smaller than Connecticutnote:includes the two main islands of East and West Falkland and about 200 smallislandsLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:1,288 kmMaritime claims:continental shelf:100 m depthexclusive fishing zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:administered by the UK, claimed by ArgentinaClimate:cold marine; strong westerly winds, cloudy, humid; rain occurs on more thanhalf of days in year; occasional snow all year, except in January andFebruary, but does not accumulateTerrain:rocky, hilly, mountainous with some boggy, undulating plainsNatural resources:fish, wildlifeLand use:arable land:0%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:99%forest and woodland:0%other: 1%Irrigated land:NA km2Environment:poor soil fertility and a short growing seasonNote:deeply indented coast provides good natural harbors
*Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), People
Population:2,206 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:2.43% (1993 est.)Birth rate:NA births/1,000 populationDeath rate:NA deaths/1,000 populationNet migration rate:NA migrant(s)/1,000 populationInfant mortality rate:NA deaths/1,000 populationLife expectancy at birth:total population:NA yearsmale:NA yearsfemale:NA yearsTotal fertility rate:NA children born/womanNationality:noun:Falkland Islander(s)adjective:Falkland IslandEthnic divisions:BritishReligions:primarily Anglican, Roman Catholic, United Free Church, Evangelist Church,Jehovah's Witnesses, Lutheran, Seventh-Day AdventistLanguages:EnglishLiteracy:total population:NA%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:1,100 (est.)by occupation:agriculture 95% (mostly sheepherding)
*Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Government
Names:conventional long form:Colony of the Falkland Islandsconventional short form:Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)Digraph:FAType:dependent territory of the UKCapital:StanleyAdministrative divisions:none (dependent territory of the UK)Independence:none (dependent territory of the UK)Constitution:3 October 1985Legal system:English common lawNational holiday:Liberation Day, 14 June (1982)Suffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:Legislative Council:last held 11 October 1989 (next to be held October 1994); results - percentof vote by party NA; seats - (10 total, 8 elected) number of seats by partyNAExecutive branch:British monarch, governor, Executive CouncilLegislative branch:unicameral Legislative CouncilJudicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)Head of Government:Governor David Everard TATHAM (since August 1992)Member of:ICFTUDiplomatic representation in US:none (dependent territory of the UK)US diplomatic representation:none (dependent territory of the UK)Flag:blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and theFalkland Island coat of arms in a white disk centered on the outer half ofthe flag; the coat of arms contains a white ram (sheep raising is the majoreconomic activity) above the sailing ship Desire (whose crew discovered theislands) with a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto DESIRE THE RIGHT
*Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Economy
Overview:The economy is based on sheep farming, which directly or indirectly employsmost of the work force. A few dairy herds are kept to meet domesticconsumption of milk and milk products, and crops grown are primarily thosefor providing winter fodder. Exports feature shipments of high-grade wool tothe UK and the sale of postage stamps and coins. Rich stocks of fish in thesurrounding waters are not presently exploited by the islanders. So far,efforts to establish a domestic fishing industry have been unsuccessful. In1987 the government began selling fishing licenses to foreign trawlersoperating within the Falklands exclusive fishing zone. These license feesamount to more than $40 million per year and are a primary source of incomefor the government. To encourage tourism, the Falkland Islands DevelopmentCorporation has built three lodges for visitors attracted by the abundantwildlife and trout fishing.National product:GDP $NANational product real growth rate:NA%National product per capita:$NAInflation rate (consumer prices):7.4% (1980-87 average)Unemployment rate:NA%; labor shortageBudget:revenues $62.7 million; expenditures $41.8 million, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (FY90)Exports:at least $14.7 millioncommodities:wool, hides and skins, and meatpartners:UK, Netherlands, Japan (1987 est.)Imports:at least $13.9 millioncommodities:food, clothing, fuels, and machinerypartners:UK, Netherlands Antilles (Curacao), Japan (1987 est.)External debt:$NAIndustrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:9,200 kW capacity; 17 million kWh produced, 8,940 kWh per capita (1992)Industries:wool and fish processingAgriculture:predominantly sheep farming; small dairy herds; some fodder and vegetablecropsEconomic aid: Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1970-89),$277 millionCurrency:1 Falkland pound (#F) = 100 penceExchange rates:Falkland pound (#F) per US$1 - 0.6527 (January 1993), 0.5664 (1992), 0.5652(1991), 0.5604 (1990), 0.6099 (1989), 0.5614 (1988); note - the Falklandpound is at par with the British pound
*Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Economy
Fiscal year: 1 April - 31 March
*Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Communications
Highways:510 km total; 30 km paved, 80 km gravel, and 400 km unimproved earthPorts:StanleyAirports:total:5usable:5with permanent-surface runways:2with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:0Telecommunications:government-operated radiotelephone and private VHF/CB radio networks provideeffective service to almost all points on both islands; 590 telephones;broadcast stations - 2 AM, 3 FM, no TV; 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earthstation with links through London to other countries
*Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), Defense Forces
Branches:British Forces Falkland Islands (including Army, Royal Air Force, RoyalNavy, and Royal Marines), Police ForceNote:defense is the responsibility of the UK
*Faroe Islands, Header
Affiliation: (part of the Danish realm)
*Faroe Islands, Geography
Location:in the north Atlantic Ocean, located half way between Norway and IcelandMap references:Arctic RegionArea:total area:1,400 km2land area:1,400 km2comparative area:slightly less than eight times the size of Washington, DCLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:764 kmMaritime claims:exclusive fishing zone:200 nmterritorial sea:3 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:mild winters, cool summers; usually overcast; foggy, windyTerrain:rugged, rocky, some low peaks; cliffs along most of coastNatural resources:fishLand use:arable land:2%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:0%forest and woodland:0%other:98%Irrigated land:NA km2Environment:precipitous terrain limits habitation to small coastal lowlands; archipelagoof 18 inhabited islands and a few uninhabited isletsNote:strategically located along important sea lanes in northeastern Atlantic
*Faroe Islands, People
Population:48,065 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:0.67% (1993 est.)Birth rate:18.45 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:7.57 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:-4.2 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:8.3 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:77.92 yearsmale:74.51 yearsfemale:81.45 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:2.52 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Faroese (singular and plural)adjective:FaroeseEthnic divisions:ScandinavianReligions:Evangelical LutheranLanguages:Faroese (derived from Old Norse), DanishLiteracy:total population:NA%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:17,585by occupation:largely engaged in fishing, manufacturing, transportation, and commerce
*Faroe Islands, Government
Names:conventional long form:noneconventional short form:Faroe Islands local long form:nonelocal short form:ForoyarDigraph:FOType:part of the Danish realm; self-governing overseas administrative division ofDenmarkCapital:TorshavnAdministrative divisions:none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)Independence:none (part of the Danish realm; self-governing overseas administrativedivision of Denmark)Constitution:DanishLegal system:DanishNational holiday:Birthday of the Queen, 16 April (1940)Political parties and leaders:three-party ruling coalition:Social Democratic Party, Marita PETERSEN; Republican Party, Signer HANSEN;Home Rule Party, Hilmar KASSopposition:Cooperation Coalition Party, Pauli ELLEFSEN; Progressive and FishingIndustry Party-Christian People's Party (PFIP-CPP), leader NA; ProgressParty, leader NA; People's Party, Jogvan SUND-STEINSuffrage:20 years of age; universalElections:Danish Parliament:last held on 12 December 1990 (next to be held by December 1994); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (2 total) Social Democratic 1, People'sParty 1; note - the Faroe Islands elects two representatives to the DanishParliamentFaroese Parliament:last held 17 November 1990 (next to be held November 1994); results - SocialDemocratic 27.4%, People's Party 21.9%, Cooperation Coalition Party 18.9%,Republican Party 14.7%, Home Rule 8.8%, PFIP-CPP 5.9%, other 2.4%; seats -(32 total) two-party coalition 17 (Social Democratic 10, People's Party 7),Cooperation Coalition Party 6, Republican Party 4, Home Rule 3, PFIP-CPP 2Executive branch:Danish monarch, high commissioner, prime minister, deputy prime minister,Cabinet (Landsstyri)Legislative branch:unicameral Parliament (Lgting)Judicial branch:none
*Faroe Islands, Government
Leaders:Chief of State:Queen MARGRETHE II (since 14 January 1972), represented by High CommissionerBent KLINTE (since NA)Head of Government:Prime Minister Marita PETERSEN (since 18 January 1993)Member of:noneDiplomatic representation in US:none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)US diplomatic representation:none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)Flag:white with a red cross outlined in blue that extends to the edges of theflag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in thestyle of the DANNEBROG (Danish flag)
*Faroe Islands, Economy
Overview:The Faroese, who have long enjoyed the affluent living standards of theDanes and other Scandinavians, now must cope with the decline of theall-important fishing industry and one of the world's heaviest per capitaexternal debts of nearly $30,000. When the nations of the world extendedtheir fishing zones to 200 nautical miles in the early 1970s, the Faroese nolonger could continue their traditional long-distance fishing andsubsequently depleted their own nearby fishing areas. The government's tightcontrols on fish stocks and its austerity measures have caused a recession,and subsidy cuts will force nationalization in the fishing industry, whichhas already been plagued with bankruptcies. Copenhagen has threatened towithhold its annual subsidy of $130 million - roughly one-third of theislands' budget revenues - unless the Faroese make significant efforts tobalance their budget. To this extent the Faroe government is expected tocontinue its tough policies, including introducing a 20% VAT in 1993, andhas agreed to an IMF economic-political stabilization plan. In addition toits annual subsidy, the Danish government has bailed out the second largestFaroe bank to the tune of $140 million since October 1992.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $662 million (1989 est.)National product real growth rate:3% (1989 est.)National product per capita:$14,000 (1989 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):2% (1988)Unemployment rate:5%-6% (1991 est.)Budget:revenues $425 million; expenditures $480 million, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (1991 est.)Exports:$386 million (f.o.b., 1990 est.)commodities:fish and fish products 88%, animal feedstuffs, transport equipment (ships)(1989)partners:Denmark 20%, Germany 18.3%, UK 14.2%, France 11.2%, Spain 7.9%, US 4.5%Imports:$322 million (c.i.f., 1990 est.)commodities:machinery and transport equipment 24.4%, manufactures 24%, food andlivestock 19%, fuels 12%, chemicals 6.5%partners:Denmark 43.8%, Norway 19.8%, Sweden 4.9%, Germany 4.2%, US 1.3%External debt:$1.3 billion (1991)Industrial production:growth rate NA%Electricity:80,000 kW capacity; 280 million kWh produced, 5,760 kWh per capita (1992)Industries:fishing, shipbuilding, handicraftsAgriculture:accounts for 27% of GDP and employs 27% of labor force; principal crops -potatoes and vegetables; livestock - sheep; annual fish catch about 360,000metric tonsEconomic aid:receives an annual subsidy from Denmark of about $130 million
*Faroe Islands, Economy
Currency:1 Danish krone (DKr) = 100 oreExchange rates:Danish kroner (DKr) per US$1 - 6.236 (January 1993), 6.036 (1992), 6.396(1991), 6.189 (1990), 7.310 (1989), 6.732 (1988)Fiscal year:1 April - 31 March
*Faroe Islands, Communications
Highways:200 kmPorts:Torshavn, TvoroyriMerchant marine:10 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 22,015 GRT/24,007 DWT; includes 1short-sea passenger, 5 cargo, 2 roll-on/roll-off, 2 refrigerated cargo; note- a subset of the Danish registerAirports:total:1useable:1with permanent-surface runways:1 with runways over 3659 m:0with runways 2440-3659 m:0with runways 1220-2439 m:1Telecommunications:good international communications; fair domestic facilities; 27,900telephones; broadcast stations - 1 AM, 3 (10 repeaters) FM, 3 (29 repeaters)TV; 3 coaxial submarine cables
*Faroe Islands, Defense Forces
Branches:small Police Force, no organized native military forcesNote:defense is the responsibility of Denmark
*Fiji, Geography
Location:Oceania, 2,500 km north of New Zealand in the South Pacific OceanMap references:Oceania, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:18,270 km2land area:18,270 km2comparative area:slightly smaller than New JerseyLand boundaries:0 kmCoastline:1,129 kmMaritime claims:(measured from claimed archipelagic baselines)continental shelf:200 m depth or to depth of exploitation; rectilinear shelf claim addedexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variationTerrain:mostly mountains of volcanic originNatural resources:timber, fish, gold, copper, offshore oil potentialLand use: arable land:8%permanent crops:5%meadows and pastures:3%forest and woodland:65%other:19%Irrigated land:10 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:subject to hurricanes from November to January; includes 332 islands ofwhich approximately 110 are inhabited
*Fiji, People
Population:756,762 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:0.95% (1993 est.)Birth rate:24.74 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:6.59 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:-8.65 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:18.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:64.86 yearsmale:62.62 yearsfemale:67.21 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:2.98 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Fijian(s)adjective:FijianEthnic divisions:Fijian 49%, Indian 46%, European, other Pacific Islanders, overseas Chinese,and other 5%Religions:Christian 52% (Methodist 37%, Roman Catholic 9%), Hindu 38%, Muslim 8%,other 2%note:Fijians are mainly Christian, Indians are Hindu, and there is a Muslimminority (1986)Languages: English (official), Fijian, HindustaniLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1985)total population:86%male:90%female:81%Labor force:235,000by occupation:subsistence agriculture 67%, wage earners 18%, salary earners 15% (1987)
*Fiji, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Fijiconventional short form:FijiDigraph:FJType:republicnote:military coup leader Maj. Gen. Sitiveni RABUKA formally declared Fiji arepublic on 6 October 1987Capital:SuvaAdministrative divisions:4 divisions and 1 dependency*; Central, Eastern, Northern, Rotuma*, Western, Independence:10 October 1970 (from UK)Constitution:10 October 1970 (suspended 1 October 1987); a new Constitution was proposedon 23 September 1988 and promulgated on 25 July 1990; the 1990 Constitutionis currently still under review (February 1993)Legal system:based on British systemNational holiday:Independence Day, 10 October (1970)Political parties and leaders:Fijian Political Party (SVT - primarily Fijian), leader Maj. Gen. SitiviniRABUKA; National Federation Party (NFP; primarily Indian), Siddiq KOYA;Christian Fijian Nationalist Party (CFNP), Sakeasi BUTADROKA; Fiji LaborParty (FLP), Jokapeci KOROI; All National Congress (ANC), Apisai TORA;General Voters Party (GVP), Max OLSSON; Fiji Conservative Party (FCP),Isireli VUIBAU; Conservative Party of Fiji (CPF), Jolale ULUDOLE and ViliameSAVU; Fiji Indian Liberal Party, Swami MAHARAJ; Fiji Indian Congress Party,Ishwari BAJPAI; Fiji Independent Labor (Muslim), leader NA; Four CornersParty, David TULVANUAVOUSuffrage:noneElections:House of Representatives:last held 23-29 May 1992 (next to be held NA 1997); results - percent ofvote by party NA; seats - (70 total, with ethnic Fijians allocated 37 seats,ethnic Indians 27 seats, and independents and other 6 seats) number of seatsby party NAExecutive branch:president, prime minister, Cabinet, Great Councils of Chiefs (highestranking members of the traditional chiefly system)Legislative branch:the bicameral Parliament, consisting of an upper house or Senate and a lowerhouse or House of Representatives, was dissolved following the coup of 14May 1987; the Constitution of 23 September 1988 provides for a bicameralParliamentJudicial branch:Supreme CourtLeaders:Chief of State:President Ratu Sir Penaia Kanatabatu GANILAU (since 5 December 1987); VicePresident Ratu Sir Kamisese MARA (since 14 April 1992); Vice President RatuSir Josaia TAIVAIQIA (since 14 April 1992)
*Fiji, Government
Head of Government:Prime Minister Sitiveni RABUKA (since 2 June 1992); Deputy Prime MinisterFilipe BOLE (since 11 June 1992); Deputy Prime Minister Ratu Timoci VESIKULA(since 11 June 1993)Member of:ACP, AsDB, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO,IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, PCA, SPARTECA, SPC, SPF, UN,UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNOSOM, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMODiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Pita Kewa NACUVAchancery:Suite 240, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007telephone:(202) 337-8320consulate:New YorkUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Evelyn I. H. TEEGENembassy:31 Loftus Street, Suvamailing address:P. O. Box 218, Suvatelephone:[679] 314-466FAX:[679] 300-081Flag:light blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and theFijian shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the shield depicts ayellow lion above a white field quartered by the cross of Saint Georgefeaturing stalks of sugarcane, a palm tree, bananas, and a white dove
*Fiji, Economy
Overview:Fiji's economy is primarily agricultural, with a large subsistence sector.Sugar exports are a major source of foreign exchange, and sugar processingaccounts for one-third of industrial output. Industry, including sugarmilling, contributes 13% to GDP. Fiji traditionally had earned considerablesums of hard currency from the 250,000 tourists who visited each year. In1987, however, after two military coups, the economy went into decline. GDPdropped by 7.8% in 1987 and by another 2.5% in 1988; political uncertaintycreated a drop in tourism, and the worst drought of the century caused sugarproduction to fall sharply. In contrast, sugar and tourism turned in strongperformances in 1989, and the economy rebounded vigorously. In 1990 theeconomy received a setback from cyclone Sina, which cut sugar output by anestimated 21%. Sugar exports recovered in 1991-92.National product:GDP - exchange rate conversion - $1.4 billion (1992 est.)National product real growth rate:3% (1992 est.)National product per capita:$1,900 (1992 est.)Inflation rate (consumer prices):5% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate:5.9% (1991 est.)Budget:revenues $455 million; expenditures $546 million, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (1993 est.)Exports:$435 million (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:sugar 40%, gold, clothing, copra, processed fish, lumberpartners:EC 31%, Australia 21%, Japan 8%, US 6%Imports:$553 million (c.i.f., 1991)commodities:machinery and transport equipment 32%, food 15%, petroleum products,consumer goods, chemicalspartners:Australia 30%, NZ 17%, Japan 13%, EC 6%, US 6%External debt:$428 million (December 1990 est.)Industrial production:growth rate 8.4% (1991 est.); accounts for 13% of GDPElectricity:215,000 kW capacity; 420 million kWh produced, 560 kWh per capita (1992)Industries:sugar, tourism, copra, gold, silver, clothing, lumber, small cottageindustriesAgriculture:accounts for 23% of GDP; principal cash crop is sugarcane; coconuts,cassava, rice, sweet potatoes, bananas; small livestock sector includescattle, pigs, horses, and goats; fish catch nearly 33,000 tons (1989)Economic aid:Western (non-US) countries, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments (1980-89),$815 millionCurrency:1 Fijian dollar (F$) = 100 cents
*Fiji, Economy
Exchange rates:Fijian dollars (F$) per US$1 - 1.5809 (January 1993), 1.5029 (1992), 1.4756(1991), 1.4809 (1990), 1.4833 (1989), 1.4303 (1988)Fiscal year:calendar year
*Fiji, Communications
Railroads:644 km 0.610-meter narrow gauge, belonging to the government-owned FijiSugar CorporationHighways:3,300 km total; 1,590 km paved; 1,290 km gravel, crushed stone, orstabilized soil surface; 420 unimproved earth (1984)Inland waterways:203 km; 122 km navigable by motorized craft and 200-metric-ton bargesPorts:Lambasa, Lautoka, Savusavu, SuvaMerchant marine:7 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 40,072 GRT/47,187 DWT; includes 2roll-on/roll-off, 2 container, 1 oil tanker, 1 chemical tanker, 1 cargoAirports:total:25usable:22with permanent-surface runways:2with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:1with runways 1,220-2,439 m:2Telecommunications:modern local, interisland, and international (wire/radio integrated) publicand special-purpose telephone, telegraph, and teleprinter facilities;regional radio center; important COMPAC cable link between US-Canada and NewZealand-Australia; 53,228 telephones (71 telephones per 1,000 persons);broadcast stations - 7 AM, 1 FM, no TV; 1 Pacific Ocean INTELSAT earthstation
*Fiji, Defense Forces
Branches:Fiji Military Force (FMF; including a naval division, police)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 194,634; fit for military service 107,304; reach militaryage (18) annually 7,834 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $22.4 million, about 2% of GDP (FY91/92)
*Finland, Geography
Location:Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea between Sweden and RussiaMap references:Arctic Region, Europe, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:337,030 km2land area:305,470 km2comparative area:slightly smaller than MontanaLand boundaries:total 2,628 km, Norway 729 km, Sweden 586 km, Russia 1,313 kmCoastline:1,126 km (excludes islands and coastal indentations)Maritime claims:contiguous zone:6 nmcontinental shelf:200 m depth or to depth of exploitationexclusive fishing zone:12 nmterritorial sea:4 nmInternational disputes:noneClimate:cold temperate; potentially subarctic, but comparatively mild because ofmoderating influence of the North Atlantic Current, Baltic Sea, and morethan 60,000 lakesTerrain:mostly low, flat to rolling plains interspersed with lakes and low hillsNatural resources:timber, copper, zinc, iron ore, silverLand use:arable land:8%permanent crops: 0%meadows and pastures:0%forest and woodland:76%other:16%Irrigated land:620 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:permanently wet ground covers about 30% of land; population concentrated onsmall southwestern coastal plainNote:long boundary with Russia; Helsinki is northernmost national capital onEuropean continent
*Finland, People
Population:5,050,942 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:0.37% (1993 est.)Birth rate:12.61 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:9.91 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:1.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:5.4 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:75.65 yearsmale:71.85 yearsfemale:79.62 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:1.79 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Finn(s)adjective:FinnishEthnic divisions:Finn, Swede, Lapp, Gypsy, TatarReligions:Evangelical Lutheran 89%, Greek Orthodox 1%, none 9%, other 1%Languages:Finnish 93.5% (official), Swedish 6.3% (official), small Lapp- andRussian-speaking minoritiesLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1980)total population: 100%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:2.533 millionby occupation:public services 30.4%, industry 20.9%, commerce 15.0%, finance, insurance,and business services 10.2%, agriculture and forestry 8.6%, transport andcommunications 7.7%, construction 7.2%
*Finland, Government
Names:conventional long form:Republic of Finlandconventional short form:Finlandlocal long form:Suomen Tasavaltalocal short form:SuomiDigraph:FIType:republicCapital:HelsinkiAdministrative divisions:12 provinces (laanit, singular - laani); Ahvenanmaa, Hame, Keski-Suomi,Kuopio, Kymi, Lappi, Mikkeli, Oulu, Pohjois-Karjala, Turku ja Pori, Uusimaa,VaasaIndependence:6 December 1917 (from Soviet Union)Constitution:17 July 1919Legal system:civil law system based on Swedish law; Supreme Court may request legislationinterpreting or modifying laws; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, withreservationsNational holiday:Independence Day, 6 December (1917)Political parties and leaders:government coalition:Center Party, Esko AHO; National Coalition (conservative) Party, PertiSALOLAINEN; Swedish People's Party, (Johan) Ole NORRBACK; Finnish ChristianLeague, Toimi KANKAANNIEMIother parties:Social Democratic Party, Antero KEKKONEN, Acting Chairman; Leftist Alliance(Communist) People's Democratic League and Democratic Alternative, ClaesANDERSON; Green League, Pekka SAURI; Rural Party, Tina MAKELA; LiberalPeople's Party, Kalle MAATTAOther political or pressure groups: Finnish Communist Party-Unity, Yrjo HAKANEN; ConstitutionalRightist Party;Finnish Pensioners Party; Communist Workers Party, Timo LAHDENMAKISuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:President:last held 31 January - 1 February and 15 February 1988 (next to be heldJanuary 1994); results - Mauno KOIVISTO 48%, Paavo VAYRYNEN 20%, HarriHOLKERI 18%Parliament:last held 17 March 1991 (next to be held March 1995); results - Center Party24.8%, Social Democratic Party 22.1%, National Coalition (Conservative)Party 19.3%, Leftist Alliance (Communist) 10.1%, Green League 6.8%, SwedishPeople's Party 5.5%, Rural 4.8%, Finnish Christian League 3.1%, LiberalPeople's Party 0.8%; seats - (200 total) Center Party 55, Social DemocraticParty 48, National Coalition (Conservative) Party 40, Leftist Alliance(Communist) 19, Swedish People's Party 12, Green League 10, FinnishChristian League 8, Rural 7, Liberal People's Party 1
*Finland, Government
Executive branch:president, prime minister, deputy prime minister, Council of State(Valtioneuvosto)Legislative branch:unicameral Parliament (Eduskunta)Judicial branch:Supreme Court (Korkein Oikeus)Leaders:Chief of State:President Mauno KOIVISTO (since 27 January 1982)Head of Government:Prime Minister Esko AHO (since 26 April 1991); Deputy Prime Minister IlkkaKANERVA (since 26 April 1991)Member of:AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE, CERN, COCOM(cooperating country), CSCE, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, ESA (associate), FAO, G-9,GATT, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO,INMARSAT, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MTCR, NAM (guest),NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNDOF, UNESCO,UNFICYP, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNIKOM, UNMOGIP, UNOSOM, UNPROFOR, UNTSO,UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Jukka VALTASAARIchancery:3216 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016telephone:(202) 363-2430FAX:(202) 363-8233consulates general:Los Angeles and New Yorkconsulates: Chicago and HoustonUS diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador John H. KELLYembassy:Itainen Puistotie 14A, SF-00140, Helsinkimailing address:APO AE 09723telephone:[358] (0) 171931FAX:[358] (0) 174681Flag:white with a blue cross that extends to the edges of the flag; the verticalpart of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the DANNEBROG(Danish flag)
*Finland, Economy
Overview:Finland has a highly industrialized, largely free market economy, with percapita output two-thirds of the US figure. Its key economic sector ismanufacturing - principally the wood, metals, and engineering industries.Trade is important, with the export of goods representing about 30% of GDP.Except for timber and several minerals, Finland depends on imports of rawmaterials, energy, and some components for manufactured goods. Because ofthe climate, agricultural development is limited to maintainingself-sufficiency in basic products. The economy, which experienced anaverage of 4.9% annual growth between 1987 and 1989, sank into deeprecession in 1991 as growth contracted by 6.5%. The recession - whichcontinued in 1992 with growth contracting by 3.5% - has been caused byeconomic overheating, depressed foreign markets, and the dismantling of thebarter system between Finland and the former Soviet Union under which Sovietoil and gas had been exchanged for Finnish manufactured goods. The FinnishGovernment has proposed efforts to increase industrial competitiveness andefficiency by an increase in exports to Western markets, cuts in publicexpenditures, partial privatization of state enterprises, and changes inmonetary policy. In June 1991 Helsinki had tied the markka to the EC'sEuropean Currency Unit (ECU) to promote stability. Ongoing speculationresulting from a lack of confidence in the government's policies forcedHelsinki to devalue the markka by about 12% in November 1991 and toindefinitely break the link in September 1992. By boosting thecompetitiveness of Finnish exports, these measures presumably have kept theeconomic downturn from being even more severe. Unemployment probably willremain a serious problem during the next few years - monthly figures inearly 1993 are approaching 20% - with the majority of Finnish firms facing aweak domestic market and the troubled German and Swedish export markets.Declining revenues, increased transfer payments, and extensive funding tobail out the banking system are expected to push the central government'sbudget deficit to nearly 13% in 1993. Helsinki continues to harmonize itseconomic policies with those of the EC during Finland's current ECmembership bid.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $79.4 billion (1992)National product real growth rate:-3.5% (1992)National product per capita:$15,900 (1992)Inflation rate (consumer prices):2.1% (1992)Unemployment rate:13.1% (1992)Budget:revenues $26.8 billion; expenditures $40.6 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $NA (1992)Exports:$24.0 billion (f.o.b., 1992)commodities:timber, paper and pulp, ships, machinery, clothing and footwearpartners:EC 53.2% (Germany 15.6%, UK 10.7%), EFTA 19.5% (Sweden 12.8%), US 5.9%,Japan 1.3%, Russia 2.8% (1992)Imports:$21.2 billion (c.i.f., 1992)commodities:foodstuffs, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, transportequipment, iron and steel, machinery, textile yarn and fabrics, foddergrains
*Finland, Economy
partners:EC 47.2% (Germany 16.9%, UK 8.7%), EFTA 19.0% (Sweden 11.7%), US 6.1%, Japan5.5%, Russia 7.1% (1992)External debt:$25 billion (1992)Industrial production:growth rate 7.6% (1992 est.)Electricity:13,500,000 kW capacity; 55,300 million kWh produced, 11,050 kWh per capita(1992)Industries:metal products, shipbuilding, forestry and wood processing (pulp, paper),copper refining, foodstuffs, chemicals, textiles, clothingAgriculture:accounts for 5% of GDP (including forestry); livestock production,especially dairy cattle, predominates; forestry is an important exportearner and a secondary occupation for the rural population; main crops -cereals, sugar beets, potatoes; 85% self-sufficient, but short of foodgrainsand fodder grains; annual fish catch about 160,000 metric tonsEconomic aid:donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $2.7 billionCurrency:1 markkaa (FMk) or Finmark = 100 penniaExchange rates:markkaa (FMk) per US$1 - 5.4193 (January 1993), 4.4794 (1992), 4.0440(1991), 3.8235 (1990), 4.2912 (1989), 4.1828 (1988)Fiscal year: calendar year
*Finland, Communications
Railroads:5,924 km total; Finnish State Railways (VR) operate a total of 5,863 km1.524-meter gauge, of which 480 km are multiple track and 1,445 km areelectrifiedHighways:about 103,000 km total, including 35,000 km paved (bituminous, concrete,bituminous-treated surface) and 38,000 km unpaved (stabilized gravel,gravel, earth); additional 30,000 km of private (state-subsidized) roadsInland waterways:6,675 km total (including Saimaa Canal); 3,700 km suitable for steamersPipelines:natural gas 580 kmPorts:Helsinki, Oulu, Pori, Rauma, TurkuMerchant marine:87 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 935,260 GRT/973,995 DWT; includes 3passenger, 11 short-sea passenger, 17 cargo, 1 refrigerated cargo, 26roll-on/roll-off, 14 oil tanker, 6 chemical tanker, 2 liquefied gas, 7 bulkAirports:total:160usable:157with permanent-surface runways:66with runways over 3,659 m:0with runways 2,440-3,659 m:25with runways 1,220-2,439 m:22Telecommunications:good service from cable and microwave radio relay network; 3,140,000telephones; broadcast stations - 6 AM, 105 FM, 235 TV; 1 submarine cable;INTELSAT satellite transmission service via Swedish earth station and areceive-only INTELSAT earth station near Helsinki
*Finland, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy, Air Force, Frontier Guard (including Coast Guard)Manpower availability:males age 15-49 1,323,381; fit for military service 1,091,613; reachmilitary age (17) annually 33,828 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $1.93 billion, about 2% of GDP (1992)
*France, Geography
Location:Western Europe, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean between Spain and GermanyMap references:Europe, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:547,030 km2land area:545,630 km2comparative area:slightly more than twice the size of Coloradonote:includes Corsica and the rest of metropolitan France, but excludes theoverseas administrative divisionsLand boundaries:total 2,892.4 km, Andorra 60 km, Belgium 620 km, Germany 451 km, Italy 488km, Luxembourg 73 km, Monaco 4.4 km, Spain 623 km, Switzerland 573 kmCoastline:3,427 km (mainland 2,783 km, Corsica 644 km)Maritime claims:contiguous zone:12-24 nmexclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:Madagascar claims Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands, Juan deNova Island, and Tromelin Island; Comoros claims Mayotte; Mauritius claimsTromelin Island; Seychelles claims Tromelin Island; Suriname claims part ofFrench Guiana; Mexico claims Clipperton Island; territorial claim inAntarctica (Adelie Land); Saint Pierre and Miquelon is focus of maritimeboundary dispute between Canada and FranceClimate:generally cool winters and mild summers, but mild winters and hot summersalong the MediterraneanTerrain:mostly flat plains or gently rolling hills in north and west; remainder ismountainous, especially Pyrenees in south, Alps in eastNatural resources:coal, iron ore, bauxite, fish, timber, zinc, potashLand use:arable land:32%permanent crops:2%meadows and pastures:23%forest and woodland:27%other:16%Irrigated land: 11,600 km2 (1989 est.)Environment:most of large urban areas and industrial centers in Rhone, Garonne, Seine,or Loire River basins; occasional warm tropical wind known as mistralNote:largest West European nation
*France, People
Population:57,566,091 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:0.48% (1993 est.)Birth rate:13.24 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:9.3 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:0.87 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:6.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:78 yearsmale:74.04 yearsfemale:82.16 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:1.8 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:Frenchman(men), Frenchwoman(women)adjective:FrenchEthnic divisions:Celtic and Latin with Teutonic, Slavic, North African, Indochinese, BasqueminoritiesReligions:Roman Catholic 90%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, Muslim (North African workers)1%, unaffiliated 6%Languages:French 100%, rapidly declining regional dialects and languages (Provencal,Breton, Alsatian, Corsican, Catalan, Basque, Flemish)Literacy:age 15 and over can read and write (1980)total population:99%male:NA%female:NA%Labor force:24.17 million by occupation:services 61.5%, industry 31.3%, agriculture 7.2% (1987)
*France, Government
Names:conventional long form:French Republicconventional short form:Francelocal long form:Republique Francaiselocal short form:FranceDigraph:FRType:republicCapital:ParisAdministrative divisions:22 regions (regions, singular - region); Alsace, Aquitaine, Auvergne,Basse-Normandie, Bourgogne, Bretagne, Centre, Champagne-Ardenne, Corse,Franche-Comte, Haute-Normandie, Ile-de-France, Languedoc-Roussillon,Limousin, Lorraine, Midi-Pyrenees, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Pays de la Loire,Picardie, Poitou-Charentes, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, Rhone-Alpesnote:the 22 regions are subdivided into 96 departments; see separate entries forthe overseas departments (French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion)and the territorial collectivities (Mayotte, Saint Pierre and Miquelon)Dependent areas:Bassas da India, Clipperton Island, Europa Island, French Polynesia, FrenchSouthern and Antarctic Lands, Glorioso Islands, Juan de Nova Island, NewCaledonia, Tromelin Island, Wallis and Futunanote:the US does not recognize claims to AntarcticaIndependence:486 (unified by Clovis)Constitution:28 September 1958, amended concerning election of president in 1962,ammended to comply with provisions of EC Maastricht Treaty in 1992Legal system:civil law system with indigenous concepts; review of administrative but notlegislative actsNational holiday:National Day, Taking of theBastille, 14 July (1789)Political parties and leaders:Rally for the Republic (RPR), Jacques CHIRAC; Union for French Democracy(UDF, federation of UREI, UC, RDE), Valery Giscard d'ESTAING; RepublicanParty (PR), Gerard LONGUET; Center for Social Democrats (CDS), PierreMEHAIGNERIE; Radical (RAD), Yves GALLAND; Socialist Party (PS), MichelROCARD; Left Radical Movement (MRG), Emile ZUCCARELLI; Communist Party(PCF), Georges MARCHAIS; National Front (FN), Jean-Marie LE PEN; Union ofRepublican and Independents (UREI); Centrist Union (UC); (RDE)Other political or pressure groups:Communist-controlled labor union (Confederation Generale du Travail) nearly2.4 million members (claimed); Socialist-leaning labor union (ConfederationFrancaise Democratique du Travail or CFDT) about 800,000 members est.;independent labor union (Force Ouvriere) 1 million members (est.);independent white-collar union (Confederation Generale des Cadres) 340,000members (claimed); National Council of French Employers (Conseil National duPatronat Francais - CNPF or Patronat)Suffrage:18 years of age; universal
*France, Government
Elections:President:last held 8 May 1988 (next to be held by May 1995); results - Second BallotFrancois MITTERRAND 54%, Jacques CHIRAC 46%Senate:last held NA September 1992 (next to be held September 1995 - nine-yearterm, elected by thirds every three years); results - percent of vote byparty NA; seats - (321 total; 296 metropolitan France, 13 for overseasdepartments and territories, and 12 for French nationals abroad) RPR 91, UDF142 (UREI 51, UC 68, RDE 23), PS 66, PCF 16, independents 2, other 4National Assembly:last held 21 and 28 March 1993 (next to be held NA 1998); results - percentof vote by party NA; seats - (577 total) RPR 247, UDF 213, PS 67, PCF 24,independents 26Executive branch:president, prime minister, Council of Ministers (cabinet)Legislative branch:bicameral Parliament (Parlement) consists of an upper house or Senate(Senat) and a lower house or National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale)Judicial branch:Constitutional Court (Cour Constitutionnelle)Leaders:Chief of State:President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981)Head of Government:Prime Minister Edouard BALLADUR (since 29 March 1993)Member of:ACCT, AfDB, AG (observer), AsDB, Australia Group, BDEAC, BIS, CCC, CDB(non-regional), CE, CERN, COCOM, CSCE, EBRD, EC, ECA (associate), ECE,ECLAC, EIB, ESA, ESCAP, FAO, FZ, GATT, G-5, G-7, G-10, IADB, IAEA, IBRD,ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INMARSAT, INTELSAT,INTERPOL, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LORCS, MINURSO, MTCR, NACC, NATO, NEA, NSG,OAS (observer), OECD, PCA, SPC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL,UNIKOM, UNPROFOR, UNRWA, UN Security Council, UNTAC, UN Trusteeship Council,UNTSO, UPU, WCL, WEU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZCDiplomatic representation in US:chief of mission:Ambassador Jacques ANDREANIchancery:4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007telephone: (202) 944-6000consulates general:Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, NewOrleans, New York, San Francisco, and San Juan (Puerto Rico)US diplomatic representation:chief of mission:Ambassador Pamela HARRIMANembassy:2 Avenue Gabriel, 75382 Paris Cedex 08, Unit 21551mailing address:APO AE 09777telephone:[33] (1) 4296-12-02 or 4261-80-75FAX:[33] (1) 4266-9783consulates general:Bordeaux, Marseille, Strasbourg
*France, Government
Flag:three equal vertical bands of blue (hoist side), white, and red; known asthe French Tricouleur (Tricolor); the design and colors have been the basisfor a number of other flags, including those of Belgium, Chad, Ireland, Coted'Ivoire, and Luxembourg; the official flag for all French dependent areas
*France, Economy
Overview:One of the world's most developed economies, France has substantialagricultural resources and a highly diversified modern industrial sector.Large tracts of fertile land, the application of modern technology, andsubsidies have combined to make it the leading agricultural producer inWestern Europe. France is largely self-sufficient in agricultural productsand is a major exporter of wheat and dairy products. The industrial sectorgenerates about one-quarter of GDP, and the growing services sector hasbecome crucial to the economy. The French economy is entering its fourthconsecutive year of sluggish growth after a strong expansion in the late1980s. Growth averaged only 1.3% in 1990-92 and is expected to drop tobetween zero and -0.5% in 1993. The government budget deficit rose to 3.2%of GDP in 1992 and is expected to be far larger than planned in the 1993budget. Paris remains committed to maintaining the franc-deutsch markparity, which has kept French interest rates high despite France's lowinflation. Although the pace of economic integration within the EuropeanCommunity has slowed down, integration presumably will remain a major forceshaping the fortunes of the various economic sectors.National product:GDP - purchasing power equivalent - $1.08 trillion (1992)National product real growth rate:1.1% (1992)National product per capita:$18,900 (1992)Inflation rate (consumer prices):2.1% (1992 est.)Unemployment rate:10.5% (end 1992)Budget:revenues $220.5 billion; expenditures $249.1 billion, including capitalexpenditures of $47 billion (1993 budget)Exports:$212.7 billion (f.o.b., 1991)commodities:machinery and transportation equipment, chemicals, foodstuffs, agriculturalproducts, iron and steel products, textiles and clothingpartners:Germany 18.6%, Italy 11.0%, Spain 11.0%, Belgium-Luxembourg 9.1%, UK 8.8%,Netherlands 7.9%, US 6.4%, Japan 2.0%, former USSR 0.7% (1991 est.)Imports:$230.3 billion (c.i.f., 1991)commodities:crude oil, machinery and equipment, agricultural products, chemicals, ironand steel productspartners:Germany 17.8%, Italy 10.9%, US 9.5%, Netherlands 8.9%, Spain 8.8%,Belgium-Luxembourg 8.5%, UK 7.5%, Japan 4.1%, former USSR 1.3% (1991 est.)External debt:$270 billion (December 1992)Industrial production:growth rate 0.2% (1992 est.)Electricity:110,000,000 kW capacity; 426,000 million kWh produced, 7,430 kWh per capita(1992)Industries:steel, machinery, chemicals, automobiles, metallurgy, aircraft, electronics,mining, textiles, food processing, tourism
*France, Economy
Agriculture:accounts for 4% of GDP (including fishing and forestry); one of the world'stop five wheat producers; other principal products - beef, dairy products,cereals, sugar beets, potatoes, wine grapes; self-sufficient for mosttemperate-zone foods; shortages include fats and oils and tropical produce,but overall net exporter of farm products; fish catch of 850,000 metric tonsranks among world's top 20 countries and is all used domesticallyEconomic aid:donor - ODA and OOF commitments (1970-89), $75.1 billionCurrency:1 French franc (F) = 100 centimesExchange rates:French francs (F) per US$1 - 5.4812 (January 1993), 5.2938 (1992), 5.6421(1991), 5.4453 (1990), 6.3801 (1989), 5.9569 (1988)Fiscal year:calendar year
*France, Communications
Railroads:French National Railways (SNCF) operates 34,322 km 1.435-meter standardgauge; 12,434 km electrified, 15,132 km double or multiple track; 99 km ofvarious gauges (1.000-meter), privately owned and operatedHighways:1,551,400 km total; 33,400 km national highway; 347,000 km departmentalhighway; 421,000 km community roads; 750,000 km rural roads; 5,401 km ofcontrolled-access divided autoroutes; about 803,000 km pavedInland waterways:14,932 km; 6,969 km heavily traveledPipelines:crude oil 3,059 km; petroleum products 4,487 km; natural gas 24,746 kmPorts:coastal - Bordeaux, Boulogne, Brest, Cherbourg, Dunkerque, Fos-Sur-Mer, LeHavre, Marseille, Nantes, Sete, Toulon; inland - RouenMerchant marine:130 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 3,224,945 GRT/5,067,252 DWT; includes7 short-sea passenger, 10 cargo, 20 container, 1 multifunction large-loadcarrier, 27 roll-on/roll-off, 36 oil tanker, 11 chemical tanker, 6 liquefiedgas, 2 specialized tanker, 10 bulk; note - France also maintains a captiveregister for French-owned ships in the Kerguelen Islands (French Southernand Antarctic Lands) and French PolynesiaAirports:total:471usable:461with permanent-surface runways:256with runways over 3,659 m:3with runways 2,440-3,659 m:37with runways 1,220-2,439 m:136Telecommunications:highly developed; extensive cable and microwave radio relay networks;large-scale introduction of optical-fiber systems; satellite systems fordomestic traffic; 39,200,000 telephones; broadcast stations - 41 AM, 800(mostly repeaters) FM, 846 (mostly repeaters) TV; 24 submarine coaxialcables; 2 INTELSAT earth stations (with total of 5 antennas - 2 for theIndian Ocean INTELSAT and 3 for the Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT); HF radiocommunications with more than 20 countries; INMARSAT service; EUTELSAT TVservice
*France, Defense Forces
Branches:Army, Navy (including Naval Air), Air Force, National GendarmerieManpower availability:males age 15-49 14,662,761; fit for military service 12,247,950; reachmilitary age (18) annually 386,504 (1993 est.)Defense expenditures:exchange rate conversion - $36.6 billion, 3.1% of GDP (1993 est.)
*French Guiana, Header
Affiliation: (overseas department of France)
*French Guiana, Geography
Location:northern South America, bordering on the North Atlantic Ocean betweenSuriname and BrazilMap references:South America, Standard Time Zones of the WorldArea:total area:91,000 km2land area:89,150 km2comparative area:slightly smaller than IndianaLand boundaries:total 1,183 km, Brazil 673 km, Suriname 510 kmCoastline:378 kmMaritime claims:exclusive economic zone:200 nmterritorial sea:12 nmInternational disputes:Suriname claims area between Riviere Litani and Riviere Marouini (bothheadwaters of the Lawa)Climate:tropical; hot, humid; little seasonal temperature variationTerrain:low-lying coastal plains rising to hills and small mountainsNatural resources:bauxite, timber, gold (widely scattered), cinnabar, kaolin, fishLand use:arable land:0%permanent crops:0%meadows and pastures:0%forest and woodland:82%other:18%Irrigated land:NA km2Environment:mostly an unsettled wilderness
*French Guiana, People
Population:133,376 (July 1993 est.)Population growth rate:4.42% (1993 est.)Birth rate:26.46 births/1,000 population (1993 est.)Death rate:4.72 deaths/1,000 population (1993 est.)Net migration rate:22.49 migrant(s)/1,000 population (1993 est.)Infant mortality rate:16.6 deaths/1,000 live births (1993 est.)Life expectancy at birth:total population:74.87 yearsmale:71.59 yearsfemale:78.32 years (1993 est.)Total fertility rate:3.54 children born/woman (1993 est.)Nationality:noun:French Guianese (singular and plural)adjective:French GuianeseEthnic divisions:black or mulatto 66%, Caucasian 12%, East Indian, Chinese, Amerindian 12%,other 10%Religions:Roman CatholicLanguages:FrenchLiteracy:age 15 and over can read and write (1982)total population:82%male:81%female:83%Labor force:23,265by occupation:services, government, and commerce 60.6%, industry 21.2%, agriculture 18.2%(1980)
*French Guiana, Government
Names:conventional long form:Department of Guianaconventional short form:French Guianalocal long form:nonelocal short form:GuyaneDigraph:FGType:overseas department of FranceCapital:CayenneAdministrative divisions:none (overseas department of France)Independence:none (overseas department of France)Constitution:28 September 1958 (French Constitution)Legal system:French legal systemNational holiday:National Day, Taking of the Bastille, 14 July (1789)Political parties and leaders:Guianese Socialist Party (PSG), Gerard HOLDER; Rally for the Republic (RPR),Paulin BRUNE; Union of the Center Rally (URC); Union for French Democracy(UDF), Claude Ho A CHUCK; Guyana Democratic Front (FDG), Georges OTHILYSuffrage:18 years of age; universalElections:French National Assembly:last held 24 September 1989 (next to be held March 1993); results - percentof vote by party NA; seats - (2 total) PSG 1, RPR 1French Senate:last held 24 September 1989 (next to be held September 1998); results -percent of vote by party NA; seats - (1 total) PSG 1Regional Council:last held 22 March 1992 (next to be held NA); results - percent of vote byparty NA; seats - (31 total) PSG 16Executive branch:French president, commissioner of the republicLegislative branch:unicameral General Council and a unicameral Regional CouncilJudicial branch:Court of Appeals (highest local court based in Martinique with jurisdictionover Martinique, Guadeloupe, and French Guiana)Leaders:Chief of State:President Francois MITTERRAND (since 21 May 1981)Head of Government: Prefect Jean-Francois CORDET (since NA 1992)Member of:FZ, WCLDiplomatic representation in US:as an overseas department of France, the interests of French Guiana arerepresented in the US by France